Boraginaceae

Echium vulgare

Common Names: Viper’s bugloss

Plant Form: Upright biennial herb. Size: Up to 1.2 m tall. Stem: Erect, spotty, covered in coarse hairs. Leaves: Rosette leaves spear-shaped. Stem leaves narrower. With warty appearance. Flowers: 1-2 cm long, blue to purple. 4-5 stamens beyond end of flower. Fruit and Seeds: Brown or grey, pyramid shaped, rough. Habitat: Prefers winter rainfall areas. Roadsides and agricultural land. Distinguishing Features: More warty appearance than Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum) and with more stamens protruding beyond flower. Impacts: Can compete with crops, pasture or native vegetation. Unpalatable to stock and toxic in high doses.

Blue flowers

Early rosette leaves

Flower close-up

Flowers and stems

Flower on old plant